“Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball” by Keith O’Brien revisits the tumultuous journey of Pete Rose, a baseball legend who’s on-field achievements collided with his off-field gambling controversies.
Rose’s unparalleled persistence at the plate earned him baseball’s all-time hits record, but his involvement in gambling led to a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball and exclusion from the Hall of Fame.
The book delves into Rose’s iconic moments on the field, including his memorable collision at home plate during the 1970 All-Star Game and his pivotal role in the Cincinnati Reds’ World Series victories. However, it also explores the darker side of his personal life, detailing his gambling addiction and tumultuous relationships.
O’Brien highlights the shifting attitudes toward gambling over the years, particularly with the legalization of sports betting in the US. He suggests that if Rose were playing today, he might have found legal avenues for his gambling interests, such as sponsorships with companies like FanDuel or DraftKings.
Despite Rose’s undeniable charisma and talent as a player, his off-field troubles overshadowed his achievements. The book chronicles Rose’s gradual unraveling as a man, marked by failed marriages, allegations of affairs, and escalating gambling problems.
O’Brien challenges myths surrounding Commissioner Bart Giamatti’s investigation into Rose’s gambling activities, asserting that Giamatti’s actions were rooted in upholding the integrity of the game rather than personal vendettas against Rose.
Through extensive interviews and research, O’Brien paints a complex portrait of Rose – a flawed yet compelling figure whose belief in his abilities on the field ultimately contributed to his downfall off the field. Despite his fall from grace, Rose remains an enduring symbol of baseball’s glory days and the complexities of fame and addiction.
